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The National Union of Leather and Allied Workers (NULAW), a trade union affiliated to the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) recently concluded its national congress.  The Federation applauds the Union for its progressive resolutions and strategies to promote the interests of its members in the term to come.  The Federation also congratulates the newly-elected National Office-Bearers of NULAW.
 
On the weekend NULAW held its 11th National Congress in Port Elizabeth.  The theme of the congress was “Social Dialogue for Economic Development and Decent Work”, and various guest speakers from government institutions such as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Division, Department of Labour, representatives from the Fiber Processing and Manufacturing SETA attended the congress.
 
Congress deliberated and agreed on key progressive resolutions such as campaigns to fight illegal imports, under invoicing and counterfeit footwear and leather goods from the East and elsewhere.  NULAW undertook to partner with SARS Customs Divisions to ensure that members’ jobs are protected and to grow more decent jobs in the footwear and leather industry.
 
Another key resolution was to enhance skills development of workers to enhance economic development & decent work and the development and training of shop stewards by strengthening cooperation and partnerships with the Fiber Processing and Manufacturing SETA of which the Footwear and Leather industry are designated.
 
Congress further resolved that the Union must guard against exploitation of workers and initiate strong campaigns against outsourcing and against those employers who undermines the collective agreements in the Footwear and Leather Industry under the scope of the National Bargaining Council of the Leather Industry of South Africa.
 
The National Bargaining Council of the Leather Industry of South Africa is one of the oldest bargaining councils in South Africa.  It was established in 1926 with its founding members NULAW and the Footwear Manufacturers Association.
 
“We are positively encouraged by the bold and progressive mandates given to the NULAW leadership by our members,” said NULAW General Secretary Ashley Benjamin.  “Apart from these resolutions, Congress also delegated full powers to the National Executive Council of NULAW to investigate the possibility of increasing certain benefits of members, and we believe that this will serve to grow our union and broaden our footprint,” added Benjamin.
 
Congress also elected new National Office-Bearers.  Mr Frank Williams was elected as President of NULAW, with Ms Ronica Sewdayla as Vice-President.  Mr Ashley Benjamin was reconfirmed as General Secretary of the Union.
 
FEDUSA General Secretary Dennis George also addressed the NULAW Congress, focusing on matters like poverty and inequality as well as issues that affect workers most.
 
“We congratulate the newly-elected National Office-Bearers of NULAW,” said George.  “NULAW is an important part of the FEDUSA family and their role in the manufacturing sector must never be underestimated.  FEDUSA will continue to support NULAW in its endeavours to create better working conditions for its members, while protecting their precarious trades in the environment of increasing cheap imports from abroad.  We are proud of NULAW for the role they continue to play, both in our Federation and the South African economy in general,” George concluded.